Industrial Disease Verdict At Inquest Into Poet's Death

A verdict of death by industrial disease has been recorded at the inquest into the death of a poet best known for his expertise in Japanese forms of verse, according to reports.

John Carley, who was the editor of an online magazine called Simply Haiku, passed away on New Year’s Eve following a long battle with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, which he was diagnosed with in 2010.

The Lancashire Telegraph reports that a statement from his wife outlined how Mr Carley worked 12-hour shifts for a plastic injection moulding firm in 1977, before also working on building sites in northern Italy during the 1980s.

According to the newspaper, a claim of compensation related to the problems Mr Carley faced has already settled.

Expert Opinion

This is another desperately sad example of how people can be exposed to asbestos in work undertaken decades ago, only to face the consequences of contact with the material in later life when they are diagnosed with mesothelioma.

“One of the most tragic aspects about this type of case, which we see very often, is that the dangers of asbestos have been known for years. However, we have seen examples where employers simply failed to do what they could to keep their workers safe.

“If any good can come from such terrible examples, it is that current employers will always ensure that steps are taken to provide workers who may come into contact with asbestos with the necessary protective equipment.”

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